Closure of the Douvrin plant

The former French plant in Douvrin has ceased all operations after more than 50 years of activity, ending its operations last Friday. The site, located in Pas-de-Calais, was historically known for producing tens of millions of engines and was a symbol of French mechanical engineering.

Stellantis and employee reclassification

Stellantis, the parent company, emphasized the reclassification of employees as part of its strategy. The company had announced the closure during an extraordinary meeting in July, and the transition of employees had been ongoing for several years. Some machining activities were still in progress, but they were described as marginal.

Electric battery production nearby

In 2023, Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies, and Mercedes, opened near the former Douvrin plant to produce electric batteries. A dedicated training center was set up to assist workers in transitioning to new roles within the industry.

Reclassification figures and local employment

According to Stellantis, approximately 350 former employees from Douvrin have joined ACC. However, this number must be considered in context, as the site had nearly 1,500 employees in 2021, and ACC currently employs nearly 2,000. The company claims that local jobs have been created, though not necessarily by the same individuals.

Union criticism and job loss concerns

The CGT union criticized the closure, calling it a financial decision disguised as part of the energy transition. It pointed out that production of internal combustion engines continues in other plants, both in France and across Europe. The union argues that hundreds of direct and indirect jobs are being lost in the region, highlighting a significant impact on local employment.

Continuing challenges in the transition

The closure raises questions about the transition from traditional to electric vehicle production. While the region is moving toward battery production, it remains uncertain whether this will fully replace the expertise and jobs previously provided by the Douvrin plant in the long term.